CLEARWATER, Fla. -- There is one fewer player in the mix to make the Phillies' bench.
The team announced Thursday morning it had granted infielder Ryan Flaherty his unconditional release. Flaherty had an opt-out clause in his contract in which he could ask for his release if the Phillies had not placed him on the roster by Thursday. The Phillies then had 48 hours to decide.
The move leaves Jesmuel Valentin, Pedro Florimon, Roman Quinn and Adam Rosales competing for two, possibly three, bench jobs.
The Phillies are expected to have a four-man bench but could carry an extra player until they need a fifth starter April 11.